Device for displaying price information

ABSTRACT

The device for displaying price information includes a fixture holding at least one numeral indicating section. Each numeral indicating section includes a plurality of segments which are arranged in a plurality of lateral and longitudinal rows and rotatably mounted to the holding fixture so that each can be selectively rotated from one side to another. One surface of each segment is of one color and another surface is of a contrasting color. By selective rotation of the segments, the outer exposed surfaces of some provide a background of one color and the outer exposed surfaces of the remaining form an appropriate numeral of a contrasting color which indicates the price. A backing member juxtaposed the backside of the holding fixture prevents the segments from rotating when the holding fixture is in the display position. Numeral changes corresponding to the unit price of the merchandise advertised can be made by simply moving the holding fixture away from the backing member so the segments are free to rotate, selectively rotating the segments to form the appropriate numeral and returning the holding fixture to the display position.

United States Patent 91 Oelschlaeger June 26, 1973 1 DEVICE FOR DISPLAYING PRICE INFORMATION [75] Inventor:

[52] US. Cl. 40/28 C, 35/77 [51] Int. Cl. G091 11/00 [58] Field of Search 40/28 C, 68; 35/77 [56] References-Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 950,912 3/1910 Harrington 40/68 1,731,164 10/1929 40/28 C 2,814,893 12/1957 40/28 C 1,679,520 8/1928 40/28 C 3,295,238 1/1967 40/28 C 3,410,011 11/1968 Bowman 35/77 X Primary Examiner-Robert W. Michell Assistant Examiner-Wenceslao J. Contreras A ttorney-John W. Michael, Joseph A. Gemignani et a1.

[57] ABSTRACT The device for displaying price information includes a fixture holding at least one numeral indicating section. Each numeral indicating section includes a plurality of segments which are arranged in a plurality of lateral and longitudinal rows and rotatably mounted ,to the holding fixture so that each can be selectively rotated from one side to another. One surface of each segment is of one color and another surface is of a contrasting color. By selective rotation of the segments, the outer exposed surfaces of some provide a background of one color and the outer exposed surfaces of the remaining form an appropriate numeral of a contrasting color which indicates the price. A backing member juxtaposed the backside of the holding fixture prevents the segments from rotating when the holding fixture is in the display position. Numeral changes corresponding to the unit price of the merchandise advertised can be made by simply moving the holding fixture away from the backing member so the segments are free to rotate, selectively rotating the segments to form the appropriate numeral and returning the holding fixture to the display position.

9 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures DEVICE FOR DISPLAYING PRICE INFORMATION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to display devices, and more particularly, to devices for displaying price information.

Display devices are quite commonly used at the point of purchase for prominently advertising the price of the merchandise. For instance, service stations use such devices for advertising the per gallon priceof gasoline. Devices of this type typically employ placards of metal or the like with painted-on numerals. These placards are usually removably fastened to both sides of a panel or the like. When the gasoline price changes, the placards are replaced with ones bearing the appropriate numerals. In order to accommodate the full range ofpossible prices, the service station must maintain an inventory of several placards with the incumbent cost and storage space requirements. During periods of rapidly fluctuating prices, such as during gas wars, the placards have to be frequently changed. In addition to the considerable time and effort required for changing the placards, the placards are often damaged during the multiple handlings, i.e., the painted surfaces are chipped or scratched and/or the edges of the placards become bent, the placards distorted, etc. Also, some placards bearing the more frequently used numerals become more weathered and discolored than others.

Consequently, for some unit prices, one placard may SUMMARY oF INVENTION The primary object of this invention is to provide a I device which is capable of displaying a wide range of numerical price information without interchanging placards.

The display device of this invention includes a fixture holding a plurality of segments which are arranged in a plurality of adjacent longitudinaland lateral rows forming at least one numeral indicating section. One surface of each segment is of one color and another surface of a contrasting color. The segments are rotatably mounted to the holding'fixture so they can be selectively rotated from one side to another. The segments of each numeralindicating' section are selectively rotated so that the outer. surfaces of some form a background of one color and the outer surfaces of the remaining ones form an appropriate numeral of a contrasting color which indicates the price.

Separate holding fixtures disposed in a back to back relationship are used when it isdesired to have price information displayed both sides of the device. The device is arranged so the segments cannot rotate when the holding fixture is in a display position. Preferably, this is accomplished by the use of a backing member juxtaposed the backside of the segments when the holding fixture is in the display position.

With this arrangement, the displayed price information can be changed by simply rotating the appropriate segments to form a wide variety of numerals indicating the price. Storage, handling and installation problems associated with the use of several placards are eliminated. Segments can be fabricated from durable materials (e.g. molded from colored plastics, materials which are resistant to weathering) thereby providing a device which is capable of retaining its esthetic appearance for long durations even when subjected to inclement weather conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device arranged in accordance with its invention.

FIG. 2 is the fragmentary, perspective view of a holding fixture showing the arrangement of a portion of the segments of a numeral indicating section.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, cross sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 showing the means for rotatably mounting the segments with respect to the holding fixture.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate arrangement for a display device embodied by this invention.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, top sectional view of the device of FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A display device embodied by this invention will be described for use in advertising the per gallon price of gasoline. However, it should be appreciated that devices arranged in accordance with this invention are adaptable for use in displaying price information for a wide variety of merchandise.

As is illustrated in FIG. 1, a display device provided by this invention includes horizontal guide members 10, 12, a backing member 14 connected between the horizontal guide members and a pair of panels 16 juxtaposed the opposite sides of the backing memberand 'slidably mounted between the guide members. These elements can be supported on a base 18 (which rests on the ground, floor or counter, is attached to the top of a gas pump, etc.) or supported by other convenient means, such as being swingably attached to a post or the like.

Each panel 16 includes one or more numeral indicating sections 20, 20'comprised of the plurality of segments 22 which are disposed within cutouts 24, 24 provided in the panel and arranged in a plurality of lateral rows 26 and longitudinal rows 28. Segments, adjacently aligned in rows of one direction (e.g. in the longitudinal rows as illustrated in FIG. 2) are rotatably mounted on a plurality of rods 30 which extend through a central aperture 32 provided in each segment. Each rod is attached at either end to panel 16 (such as by a tack weld or like as shown in FIG. 3) at an area adjacent cutout 24. Segments are arranged on rods 30 and the rods are mounted to the panel in side-by-side relationship so the segments are aligned to form the lateral and longitudinal rows. Although FIG. 2 shows the rods extending through the apertures forming the longitudinal rows, it should be appreciated that, alternatively, the segments forming the lateral rows can be rotatably mounted to the rods. Since each segment is rotatably mounted to rod 30, each can be rotated about the rod so that a selected surface is outwardly exposed.

Segments 22 can be small panels having two exposable surfaces when rotated about the rods (as shown) or can be arranged to have several exposable surfaces, such as a three-or four-sided members rotatably mounted to the rod at their center. The exposable surfaces of the segments can be square-shaped as shown or have any other convenient geometrical configuration. The exposable surfaces of each segment are of different colors which contrast with the color of the other exposable surface or surfaces. For example, when segments having two exposable surfaces are used, one surface can be black with the other being white. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the segments are selectively rotated so that the exposed surfaces of some form a background of one or more colors and the exposed surfaces of the remaining segments form a numeral of one or more contrasting colors.

Any number of lateral and longitudinal rows of segments can be used. Preferably, a minimum of three longitudinal rows and five lateral rows of segments are used so that at least the numerals through 9 can be vividly formed in each numeral indicating section. By providing a larger number of lateral and longitudinal rows of segments, fractions, and even numerals larger than 9 can be formed in a single numeral indicating section.

The segments can be made from any reasonably rigid material. If the device is to be used outdoors the segments are preferably made from a mar-resistant, weather-resistant material, such as metal, thermoplastic materials and the like. Thermoplastic materials are presently preferred because of their inexpensiveness, their superior weathering properties, and the ease at which the central aperture can be integrally molded into each segment. Backing member 14 is juxtaposed the back side of panels 16 so the segments cannot be rotated when the panels are in the display position shown. To make a price change, each panel is simply moved laterally in the guides to the right or left to a position where the segments are clear of the backing member and can be freely rotated. The appropriate segments are selectively rotated to form the desired numeral and the panel is then moved laterally back into the display position. Alternately, the segments can be arranged so there is a sufficient frictional engagement between them to hold them in place; in which case backing member could be deleted and replaced with outside frame members extending vertically between the guide members 10, 12 or similar means. As shown'in FIG. 1, panel 16 can include permanent indicia 34 indicating a constant fractional cent which is typical of gasoline prices. For other applications where the fractional amount can vary, another smaller numeral indicating section arranged in the same manner described above can be used for indicating the fractional amount.

FIGS. 4 and show an alternate arrangement for the panels and the backing member. In this embodiment, panels 16a, 16a are attached to backing number 14a by a hinge 36 and are held juxtaposed the backing memher in the display position by a latch 38 or similar means. Numeral changes are made by opening the latch and swinging the panel away from the backing member so that segments 22 are free to pivot as shown in FIG. 4. The appropriate segments of each numeral indicating section are then selectively rotated so their outer surfaces form a background and the desired numeral. The panel is then swung back to the display position, where his juxtaposed the backing member so rotation of the segments is prevented, and latched.

Of the above detailed description, it can be seen that this invention provides a simple arrangement for a display device which has the capability of displaying a full range of numerals, yet numeral changes can be conveniently made without interchanging placards. Hence, the added expense and problems associated with storage, handling and interchanging additional placards are eliminated.

As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the above detailed description of the preferred embodiments, various modifications and alterations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

l. A display device comprising a support having a backing member;

a panel having a front, a back, and at least one cutout;

an indicating section positioned within said cutout and including a plurality of display segments which are arranged in a plurality of adjacent lateral and longitudinal rows and have at least two exposable surfaces of contrasting colors;

means mounting said display segments on said panel for relative rotational movement so that individual of said display segments can be selectively rotated with respect to said panel to expose one of said exposable surfaces towards the front of said panel; and

means connecting said panel to said support for selective joint movement of said panel and said support and for selective movement of said panel relative to said backing member between a display position, where the back of said panel is juxtaposed said backing member with said display segments being engageable with said backing member to thereby prevent rotation of said display segments, and a position remote from said backing member, where said display segments can be selectively rotated.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein said indicating section includes at least five lateral rows and at least three longitudinal rows of said segments.

3. A device according to claim 1 including a plurality of rods which are mounted in parallel, spaced relationship on said panel and on which said display segments forming either the lateral rows or the longitudinal rows are rotatably mounted.

4. A display device according to claim 1 wherein said connecting means includes means holding said panel on said support for slidable movement with respect to said backing member between said display position and said remote position.

5. A display device according to claim 4 wherein said holding means includes a pair of parallel, spaced guide members which are mounted on said support and have guideways, said panel being slidably held between said guideways for movement with respect to said backing member between said display position and said remote position.

6. The device according to claim 1 wherein said connecting means comprises means pivotally mounting said panel on said support for pivotal movement of said panel with respect to said backing member between said display position and said remote position.

7. A display device comprising a'support having a backing member;

a panel having a front, a back, and at least one cutout;

an indicating section positioned in said cutout and including a plurality of display segments which are arranged in parallel lateral rows and parallel longitudinal rows and have at least two exposable surfaces of contrasting colors;

a plurality of rods rotatably carrying either the lateral rows or the longitudinal rows of said display segments and mounted on said panel in parallel, spaced relationship so that individual of said. display segments can be selectively rotated with respect to said panel to expose one of said exposable surfaces toward the front of said panel; and

means connecting said panel to said support for selective joint movement of said panel and said support and for selective vmovement of said panel relative to'said backing member between a display position, where the back of said panel is juxtaposed said backing member with said display segments being engageable with said backing member to thereby prevent rotation of said display segments, and a position remote from said backing member, where said display segments can be selectively rotated.

8. A display device according to claim 7 wherein said connecting means comprises a pair of parallel, spaced guide members having guideways and said panel is slidably held between said guideways for movement with respect to said backing member between said display position and said remote position.

9. The display device according to claim 7 wherein said connecting means comprises means for pivotally mounting said panel on said support member for pivotal movement with respect to said backing member between said display position in said remote position. t I

mg? UNETED STATES PATENT OFFICE V fiERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,740,878 Dated June 26, 1.973

Inventor(s) DANIEL J. OELSCHLAEGER It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

r- I v '1 The following claims were omitted and should be included therein:

10. The device according to claim 5 wherein said segments are generally square-shaped panels having two exposable surfaces.

ll. The device according to claim 6 wherein said segments are generally square-shaped panels having two exposable surfaces.

On the cover sheet, after the abstract, "9 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures" should read 11 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures -v-."

Signed and sealed this 22nd day of January 19714..

Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHEIR,'JR. RENE D. TEC-TMEYER Attesting Officer Acting Commissioner of Patents 

1. A display device comprising a support having a backing member; a panel having a front, a back, and at least one cutout; an indicating section positioned within said cutout and including a plurality of display segments which are arranged in a plurality of adjacent lateral and longitudinal rows and have at least two exposable surfaces of contrasting colors; means mounting said display segments on said panel for relative rotational movement so that individual of said display segments can be selectively rotated with respect to said panel to expose one of said exposable surfaces towards the front of said panel; and means connecting said panel to said support for selective joint movement of said panel and said support and for selective movement of said panel relative to said backing member between a display position, where the back of said panel is juxtaposed said backing member with said display segments being engageable with said backing member to thereby prevent rotation of said display segments, and a position remote from said backing member, where said display segments can be selectively rotated.
 2. A device according to claim 1 wherein said indicating section includes at least five lateral rows and at least three longitudinal rows of said segments.
 3. A device according to claim 1 including a plurality of rods which are mounted in parallel, spaced relationship on said panel and on which said display segments forming either the lateral rows or the longitudinal rows are rotatably mounted.
 4. A display device according to claim 1 wherein said connecting means includes means holding said panel on said support for slidable movement with respect to said backing member between said display position and said remote position.
 5. A display device according to claim 4 wherein said holding means includes a pair of parallel, spaced guide members which are mounted on said support and have guideways, said panel being slidably held between said guideways for movement with respect to said backing member between said display position and said remote position.
 6. The device according to claim 1 wherein said connecting means comprises means pivotally mounting said panel on said support for pivotal movement of said panel with respect to said backing member between said display position and said remote position.
 7. A display device comprising a support having a backing member; a panel having a front, a back, and at least one cutout; an indicating section positioned in said cutout and including a plurality of display segments which are arranged in parallel lateral rows and parallel longitudinal rows and have at least two exposable surfaces of contrasting colors; a plurality of rods rotatably carrying either the lateral rows or the longitudinal rows of said display segments and mounted on said panel in parallel, spaced relationship so that individual of said display segments can be selectively rotated with respect to said panel to expose one of said exposable surfaces toward the front of said panel; and means connecting said panel to said support for selective joint movement of said panel and said support and for selective movement of said panel relative to said backing member between a display position, where the back of said panel is juxtaposed said backing member with said display segments being engageable with said backing member to thereby prevent rotation of said display segments, and a position remote from said backing member, where said display segments can be selectively rotated.
 8. A display device according to claim 7 wherein said connecting means comprises a pair of parallel, spaced guide members having guideways and said panel is slidably held between said guideways for movement with respect to said backing member between said display position and saId remote position.
 9. The display device according to claim 7 wherein said connecting means comprises means for pivotally mounting said panel on said support member for pivotal movement with respect to said backing member between said display position in said remote position. 